KINGDOM FINANCE
Giving in the Light of Grace
Introduction
Money is one of the most talked-about topics in Scripture — not because God needs our money, but because it often exposes what we value most. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). When Jesus spoke those words, He wasn’t speaking only about money. He was speaking about whatever you treasure — whatever holds the highest place in your priorities and affections. That could be possessions, status, comfort, relationships, or even your time. Whatever you treasure will pull your heart in its direction. Money, however, becomes a clear window into this truth, because how we handle our finances usually reflects what we value most. In the Old Testament, God’s people were commanded to give a tenth of their increase — the tithe. It was law, a standard, and a way of providing for the priests, the temple, and the poor. But with the coming of Christ, everything changed. The law gave way to grace, and tithing as a legal requirement gave way to generous, Spirit-led giving. In the New Covenant, we don’t give because we have to. We give because we get to. Our giving flows not from guilt or compulsion but from gratitude, joy, and faith in the God who has already given us all things in Christ. This teaching will trace the biblical journey of tithing, explore how Jesus reframed giving, and show what kingdom finance looks like for believers today.
I. The Old Testament Practice of Tithing
1. The Tithe as Law
The word “tithe” means “tenth.” Under the Mosaic Law, every Israelite was required to set aside a tenth of their produce, livestock, and increase as holy to the Lord.
“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30)
The tithe primarily supported the Levites, the priestly tribe with no land inheritance of their own (Numbers 18:21). It also provided for widows, orphans, and foreigners in need (Deuteronomy 14:28–29). In short, the tithe sustained the worship of God and the welfare of His people. Under the law, not giving was a sin. Under grace, we are not obligated to give, it is no longer a sin, but rather reveals trust in God.
2. The Heart Behind the Tithe
But God was never after a mere tenth — He was after the heart. Tithing was meant to teach Israel to trust Him as their Provider.
“…that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.” (Deuteronomy 14:23)
Yet, over time, what God intended as worship often slipped into ritual. By the time of the prophets, Israel was neglecting the tithe or giving begrudgingly. Malachi confronted them: “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me… in tithes and contributions.” (Malachi 3:8). Still, God promised blessing to those who would return to Him in faithful giving.
II. Jesus’ Teaching on Tithing
1. Exposing Legalism
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for obsessing over tithing even the smallest herbs, while ignoring justice, mercy, and faithfulness. They manipulated people to give, “If you don’t give, God will curse you”. Often using scripture to back up their selfish gains. The Pharisees would also give, but not because they wanted to, but out of religious duty and obligation. Jesus was changing the way we looked at giving, “These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” He was exposing a deeper issue: they gave meticulously yet missed God’s heart. They took from people, often people who didn’t have much, and instead of showing them grace, they demanded they continue to give, leaving some with nothing. Jesus reminded His hearers that true righteousness isn’t found in checking religious boxes. It flows from a heart transformed by grace.
2. Preparing for Grace
While Jesus lived under the Old Covenant, He also prepared the way for the New. He honored the Law, yet consistently pointed beyond it. In His kingdom, giving would no longer be about law but about love.
III. Giving in the New Covenant
With Christ’s death and resurrection, the Old Covenant gave way to the New. Believers are no longer “under the law but under grace” (Romans 6:14). That includes giving.
1. Freedom to Give
Paul never commands Christians to tithe. Instead, he lays down the principle of generous, Spirit-led giving:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
No guilt. No compulsion. Freedom. Our giving is guided not by a fixed percentage but by prayer, faith, and the Spirit’s leading.
2. Generosity as the Standard
Though tithing isn’t commanded, the principle of generosity runs through the New Testament. Paul praised the Macedonians who gave “beyond their means” out of joy, not obligation (2 Corinthians 8:3–4). And he rooted all giving in the ultimate example:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Jesus gave everything — not ten percent. That’s the measure of kingdom generosity.
3. Cheerful Giving
Generosity without joy misses the mark. Paul insists that giving must spring from delight, not duty. Cheerful giving is evidence that our trust is in God, not in money. When we give cheerfully, we declare: “My Father is my provider. My treasure is in heaven, not on earth.”
IV. The Purpose of Kingdom Giving
So why do we give? If we are under grace and not the law, what’s the point of financial giving? Scripture gives us several purposes: Worship – Giving honors God with the firstfruits of what He has provided. It’s an act of gratitude and trust. A way of giving back to God the blessings He has given us to support others. Gods’ Kingdom is defined as, “Because I have much, you have much.” That mentality extends to other people. Kingdom Mission – Giving fuels the spread of the gospel and the work of the Church. Paul urged regular offerings to support ministry (1 Corinthians 16:2). Care for Others – Giving meets practical needs — feeding the hungry, helping the poor, resourcing the community of faith (Acts 2:44–45). Eternal Investment – Jesus told us to store up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–20). This is not about money, but rather, acts of kindness, love, generosity and so forth; living righteously.
V. The Blessing of Giving
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Giving brings joy because it aligns us with God’s generous heart. Paul assured the Philippians that their generosity would not leave them lacking: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). The blessing isn’t always financial — it’s deeper. It’s the joy of seeing lives changed, the peace of trusting God with our resources, and the satisfaction of knowing we’ve invested in eternity.
VI. Practical Takeaways
Law vs. Grace – You don’t have to give under compulsion. But ask yourself: Why wouldn’t I give? If hesitation rises, it may reveal an area where you don’t yet fully trust God. He doesn’t ask you to give beyond your means — He calls you to trust Him with what you have. You shouldn’t feel at all condemned, rather an opportunity for relational meditation with the Father. Misconceptions – Giving under grace is never forced. Don’t be misled by pressure or manipulation. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit: How much? To whom? When? Let Him lead you. Blessing – Abraham gave a tenth as a response to God’s blessing (Genesis 14:20). The early church gave freely, sharing with anyone who had need (Acts 2:45). We don’t give to get. We give because we have already received.
Conclusion
Kingdom finance isn’t about percentages or pressure. It’s about the posture of the heart. Under the Old Covenant, God’s people gave because they had to. Under the New Covenant, we give because we want to. Our giving is worship. It’s participation in God’s mission. It’s love in action toward others. And above all, it’s a reflection of the generosity of Jesus, who gave His all for us. As you walk with God, ask Him: “Lord, how do You want me to give?” Then obey with joy. Give generously, give cheerfully, and trust the Father who has promised to provide for all your needs. In doing so, you not only bless others — you display the very heart of the King. Remember, you are not limited to giving to churches or ministries, there are many opportunities to give to people in need wherever you go.
